In the education sphere, the notion of “local control” refers to decision-making authority at the school or school district level, rather than at the county, state, or federal level. Local control includes power over a broad range of education functions, not just the ability to raise revenue through taxation or bonds. This authority is vested within the broader educational governance structure of a state and can include a variety of functions, including revenue generation, resource allocation, facilities planning/management, structure/organization, staffing, training/professional development, curriculum and instructional materials, testing/assessment, and others.

Across the United States, states have different educational governance structures, with a variety of decision-making powers vested to the different players in the system. Some states have strong local control—giving local schools or school districts the bulk ...